Light a Candle: A Mindful Gratitude Practice from David Steindl-Rast

In reflective conversation and in the surveys I send out to participants after working with me, I find that gratitude practice is consistently the most impactful in daily life. Many months later, even people who are not doing formal mindfulness meditation are still using the Beautiful Moments practice and experiencing gratitude as a part of daily life.

I am doing a gratitude workshop with two amazing administrators on Monday who are trying to implement mindfulness practices into their whole building. We are going to explore gratitude together, and I am happy to have this opportunity to find some new resources and revisit some old ones.

While reconnecting with the work of David Steadl Rast, whose TEDTalk is below, I once again came across Gratefulness.org.

I took the opportunity to engage with the “light a candle” practice they provide through their site. I used the moment of pause to be grateful to all those people who support my work in the world and are willing to engage in the process of growing with me. Then I made this dedication:

“This candle is dedicated to my grandma Rose. She taught me everything I need to know in order to live in the world as a whole person. I love you, Grandma Rose, and your spirit is always with me.”

After making a dedication, the candle burns for 48 hours, and there is a link to click and be provided with a mini-candle for your laptop during that time.

Mine is burning right now, and every time I see the flame, I am mindful of the love it represents.